Unsolved History: Forensic Science, Cold Cases, and Art Therapy exhibit closes

The Oklahoma History Center’s exhibition entitled, Unsolved History: Forensic Science, Cold Cases, and Art Therapy will close on Monday, September 30. This exhibit is comprised of 11 artistic creations by Oklahoma-based artists and art therapists who work with the families of victims in cold case crimes. Led by Shannon Hazen, Tina Adams, and Kris Newlin, and connected to the Oklahoma Homicide Survivors Support Group, artists were paired with families to participate in the project. Each piece reflects the collaboration between the artist and the family, which helped family members express their grief and frustration at their loss and the myriad of unanswered questions left in the wake of the crime. The exhibit may be viewed in the Cooper and Gladys West Atrium Wing and Gallery of the Oklahoma History Center during regular hours of operation, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In its collections, the Oklahoma History Center has a substantial number of artifacts that pertain to law enforcement in Oklahoma from the pre–Territorial Era to the present. Included in the collections are the tools used in investigation and evidence analysis, as well as records of court cases and prison records. However, this latest exhibit features a new tool used in the aftermath of violent crimes that has proven beneficial to the family, friends, and acquaintances of the victims. Art therapy has been used in several different areas of psychology, but only recently has it been used for this purpose.